In the end, the trio had the final say as Chelsea claimed three points, with Wright-Phillips scoring a decisive second in the 73rd minute to add to Salomon Kalou's 18th-minute opener.

Ben-Haim, partnering the returning Terry in defence as the skipper ended seven weeks on the sidelines after a knee operation, feels his team-mates coped well in the face of adversity, and that the fans should now forgive and forget.

"I think our England players showed they are very professional," said Ben-Haim.

"They performed very well. They ran and tackled and passed the ball well. They are fantastic players.

"I think it is history already. The fans need to forget about it and look forward.

"Israel did our best because we played for our country again. At the end of the day, England's progress depended on their team.

"They didn't get a good result, but sometimes the worst can happen and it happened to England.

"But England still has a very good team, and you need to look forward."